Indiana Department of Natural Resources

INTRODUCTION

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is one of Indiana’s most likable mammals. While many Hoosiers have difficulty identifying a Franklin’s ground squirrel or some other small mammal, the raccoon is a stranger to none. It raids our sweet corn patches, gives the hound dog a run for his money on star-filled autumn nights, and its delicate human-like foot prints are embedded along countless streams, rivers, lakes and ponds scattered across the Hoosier landscape.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Raccoons are native only to the North American continent. Adults weigh from 12 to 25 pounds, are distinctly marked across the eyes with a black mask, and have a bushy tail with alternating rings of light and dark fur. Their coat is a mixture of grizzled gray, brown and black. There can be considerable variation in color even among littermates. Some appear almost solid black, and others may have a yellowish cast. A few albino raccoons also occur. Raccoons are nocturnal and usually spend daylight hours at rest.

DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE

Raccoons occur statewide. They are most numerous where a good mixture of woodlands, cropland and shallow water are found. The northeastern section of Indiana, blessed with numerous glacial ponds, is a raccoon stronghold. The fertile farmland of central Indiana is also home for many raccoons. The heavily forested south central hills and northwestern prairie regions are less attractive to raccoons. Under ideal conditions, raccoon levels can approach one per acre. Even in less favorable habitat, they still may occur at the rate of about one raccoon per 40 acres.

REPRODUCTION

Most mating occurs in January or February, and the male assumes no part in family life. Most raccoons are born in cavity-forming trees such as maples, sycamore or beech. If den tree sites are not readily available, a female may utilize abandoned barn lofts, rock outcroppings, ground burrows or even the attic or chimney of someone’s home as a place to give birth to her young. Litters are usually born in April or May and range in size from one to nine, although the average is four. By mid-June, most young raccoons accompany their mother on food searches and begin to learn survival skills.

FOOD HABITS

Raccoons are opportunists. A variety of plant and animal foods are eaten. Raccoon are adept frog hunters, relish crayfish, and dine on turtle and bird eggs, insects, small mammals and sometimes domestic fowl. Their raids on sweet corn patches are legendary. If these foods are not readily available, field corn, beechnuts, acorns and other mast species will be found on the menu. If water is nearby, the raccoon will appear to be washing its food; however, the animal is actually kneading and tearing at the food, feeling for matter which should be rejected. Wetting its paws enhances the raccoon’s touch. If water is not nearby, the raccoon will forego this ritual.

HUNTING

The cries of a hound in pursuit of raccoon have pierced frost-chilled Hoosier skies ever since the early pioneer arrived in Indiana. Night hunters account for about 75 percent of the raccoon harvest each fur season. Raccoon hunting involves comradeship and hearty competition between hunting partners and their dogs. Hound owners knowing the terrain and voices of their dogs follow the progress and problems of the chase as they unravel the performance of the raccoon and success of each dog.

TRAPPING

Raccoons are normally curious and easily trapped. Two common sets for a raccoon are the mink bait-stake set and fox dirt hole set. Fish is used as bait to lure raccoons. Stream or ditch banks as well as paths commonly used by raccoons are productive trapping sites.

MANAGEMENT

When Indiana was part of the Northwest Territory, raccoons were forest dwellers of limited abundance. During the Roaring ’20s, when raccoon coats were a craze, pelt prices soared and raccoon numbers crashed. This decline resulted in the purchase of raccoons by the Conservation Department and private clubs for restocking. Breeding stock was purchased from other states and raccoons were raised for release. In the late 1940s and through the 1950s, raccoon numbers increased throughout the Midwest, even in areas where stocking had not been attempted. In spite of isolated disease outbreaks, primarily canine distemper, a high raccoon population has been maintained since the 1960s. Studies of raccoon ecology have been initiated on state-owned marshland, national forest land and private farmland since that time. The raccoon harvest is monitored annually, and yearly surveys statewide abundance have been maintained. Evidence gathered concerning raccoons indicates this mammal had found its niche in our modern environment and is here to stay.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

For gardens, a single strand of electric fence can be strung 8 inches above the ground around the perimeter of the garden.

Turn the radio on at night, place it under a garbage can overnight, and it may discourage raccoons from approaching.

Keep bird feeders and garbage cans inside at night. Place a small dish of ammonia in the bottom of an empty garbage can to help discourage them.

Resident landowners and tenants can live-trap a raccoon that is causing damage on their own property without a permit from the DNR. The raccoon must be euthanized or released within the county of capture on property in which you have permission to do so. In order to prevent the spread of disease, the DNR encourages homeowners to safely and humanely euthanize the raccoons, if possible. Live-traps can be purchased from hardware stores and garden centers. If you do not want to trap the raccoon yourself, contact a licensed nuisance wild animal control operator.

Occasionally, raccoons may enter a house through a pet door. Close all doors that provide access to other parts of the house, and open windows and doors to the outside to the animal can exit quietly on its own. Wait quietly and patiently for the animal to escape, then close all of the openings, including the pet door, to prevent the raccoon from returning.

If the raccoon is already in your chimney or attic, place bright lights or a pan of ammonia in the attic to encourage the raccoon(s) to leave. If the mother has had her young in your chimney already, contact a licensed nuisance wild animal control operator for professional assistance. Once the raccoon leaves the chimney, install a chimney cap. Also, identify and seal other attic entries after evicting the raccoon.